Using Octaves to EnhanceYour Solos and Compositions

If you’ve been playing your instrument for long enough time, you’re bound to start repeating yourself at one point or another. Now you could ignore that and keep cranking out the same song just like ____ (insert cliché band name here) OR you can try to throw yourself off-guard by using octave displacement.Let’s face it… staring at your guitar for hours on end trying to memorize it like it’s the periodic table of elements is less than fun. So finding new ways to use octaves can help you learn them in a way that’s more hands on should be exciting!The idea behind these tips is to get you to do few things: get your ear jump started in a new direction by giving it some leaps it may not be used to hearing; get you more familiar with the fretboard visualization in general; make you comfortable with the WHOLE guitar; and, of course, getting you to sound awesome!Method 1- Scale PatternsAssuming you know what an octave is and how to find one, let’s first chop up a basic scale pattern.We can start in one octave and finishin another. Here’s a C Scale at the 3rd fret:Instead of playing the F, G, and A in the same octave consider moving them to a new octave:

Don’t worry about speed or allow yourself to get bogged down in string-skipping technique. Just let your ear latch onto the idea of a wider melodic range and see what you can come up with. Here’s a simple exercise to get you thinking:

Method 2- Open-Voice ChordsInstead of playing C-E-G, try playing C-G-E. It’s the same triad with a newer sound. Hopefully this will get your chords and arpeggios into some new territory:

Method 3- Reverse Contour ScalesMost players play ascending scales as G A B C D E F# G and descending scales as G F# E D C B A G. What if you didn’t? Instead of gradually climbing UP the scale in increments, move the octaves. Continue to move the pitches FORWARD in the alphabet while the melodic contour shifts downward:

Method 4- Expanding Arpeggio RangeYou can use 3 note arpeggios and shift them around from one octave to the next. The trick to this is to simply visualize the roots. First find 3 C’s on string 6, 4, and 2. Now make the basic triad “shape” and repeat it on each of the C’s

Method 5- Melodic Octave DisplacementThere are many ways you can play with octaves to get more mileage out of your melodies. Bach did it all the time! Try these two ideas:Call and Response- Take a simple 2 string pentatonic shape at A minor and move it up an octave.

Make a statement in octave 1… respond to it in octave 2Melodic Interruption- While it is a little more abstract sounding, in can add interest to shift octaves in mid-melody. Make sure to visualize both octaves simultaneously to keep the performance flowing smoothly.

Hopefully you have a few new tools that you can work on mastering so that you can quickly add some variety to your own music. Working octave recognition into your practice routine has many benefits. By being able to quickly find octaves, you will not only begin to connect the fretboard together but also explore new sonic capabilities.These methods will give your ear something fresh and new to latch on to so you can keep cranking out the hits. Challenge yourself to try familiar sequences, melodies, and progressions with octave displacement and see where it takes you!

About the author:Eric Dieter is a professional guitarist and guitar teacher in Lancaster, PA. He has appeared on dozens of international albums as a session guitar player and tours with the synth-pop band Hudson K and prog-rock band Hiding Scarlet. Eric has studied guitar at Millersville University and Berklee College of Music. Additionally, he holds a degree in psychology and a certification in hypnosis, making him uniquely qualified to train the minds of young musicians. Contact Eric if you are looking for guitar lessons in Lancaster, PA.